Re: B-1 modifications after START?

On Mar 30, 3:28 pm, Juergen Nieveler
<juergen.nieveler.nos...@xxxxxxxx> wrote:
A discussion in another group has led me to a search on the
modifications done to the B-1 after the START treaties were signed -
however, I couldn't find much except that the capacity for ALCMs was
reduced.

ISTR that the Lancer was able to carry 2 rotary launchers internally,
and had some hardpoints externally that could hold ALCMs (and/or
SRAM?), and nowadays she can only carry one rotary launcher capable of
holding ALCM and has lost all external hardpoints.

B-1B could only ever hold one ALCM launcher internally. There was
enough space for three SRAM launchers, but IIRC the typical loadout
was one bay holding fuel and two holding weapons. Externally, there
were something like 10 hardpoints (I'm picturing in my head a painting
of a Bone that had four missiles under the forebody, I think four
under the tail, one under each wing glove, and two or four between the
nacelles...sounds like pie in the sky, though), but I don't think they
were ever used operationally.

I always figured that the hardpoints would be great for mounting AAMs
or ARMs, personally, but I guess low, fast, and jamming is defensive
enough.

.

Quantcast